Tim Sheens is backing his Hull KR side to overcome the ‘mental and physical strain’ of pressure mounting throughout the Qualifiers campaign.

Rovers entertain London Broncos at KCOM Craven Park today aiming to make it three successive victories in the middle 8s before a well-earned week’s break for the Challenge Cup final.

After overcoming Super League outfit Leigh Centurions last time out in a tight but crucial 20-16 win within the promotion push, Sheens is stressing the importance of his side’s defensive attitude after witnessing KR’s tackling desire coming up trumps eight days ago.

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But the Robins boss is wary of a ‘desperate’ London side that, despite being stuck on a single point in the Qualifiers, finished second in the regular campaign behind KR, and expects another tough and tense encounter in east Hull.

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“The strain on the guys comes both ways, physically and mentally. The pressure being mounted on the club to be a success and get out of this division is something that is out there,” Sheens told the Mail. “To determine whether it’s been a successful season or a disappointing one hangs on the next four games.

“These semi-final type, must-win games are all about completion and field position, defending your goal-line well. People don’t want to hear about that sort of thing – they want to see you score 40 plus points – but at the end of the day it’s about having 40 not scored against you.

“London will be more desperate than last time against us as will we. Both clubs have worked hard for this moment in time and this opportunity.

“Finishing first or second wasn’t an issue to any great degree, it’s where you finish after a hard season.”